Indian middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the first Test match against Australia scheduled to start in Nagpur from February 9.
Iyer is likely to be fit by the second Test.
This is a big blow for India as the middle-order batsman has done really well in Tests since making his debut last year.
In only 7 Tests so far, he has scored one century and 5 fifties.
As per the latest reports, the batsman hasn’t completely recovered from his back injury.
The Mumbai middle order batsman had to opt out from the three match ODI series against New Zealand due to a back injury and was asked to head to National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehab.
It is learnt that despite taking injections, Iyer still has pain in his lower back.
As a result the NCA has advised the middle-order batsman to take at least two weeks’ rest.
Due to Iyer’s absence, uncapped Suryakumar Yadav might end up making his debut in the Nagpur Test.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be joining the Indian team camp to be held in Nagpur starting February 2.
The Indian team players have been asked to report on the morning of February 2.
Jadeja cleared his match fitness after he played a Ranji Trophy game for his home side Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu last week in Chennai.
Jadeja bowled 41.1 overs and took a match winning seven wickets to help Saurashtra reach the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals.
Ace Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc has also been ruled out of the first Test against India.
During the recently-concluded Australia Cricket Awards in Sydney, Starc provided an update on his finger injury he sustained during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the MCG.
When asked if he will be available for the first Test, the left-armer said the healing hasn’t completed it and will take time.
Alongside Starc, all-rounder Cameron Green also suffered a finger injury during the same Test, and his chances of playing in the first match look bleak too.
Speaking about what are his and team’s expectations from the upcoming India series, Starc said, “I guess you never really know what to expect from the conditions in India but we have a fair idea that it is obviously going to turn.”
“You never quite know until you start the game or decide which wicket to play on. So, it is going to be a great challenge.”
Australia are yet to win a Test series in India since 2004-05 and Cummins-led Australia would be itching to change the fortune this time around.
The Kangaroos suffered consecutive series defeats, when India traveled to Australia back in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
India had defeated Australia 2-1 on both occasions.
Following the India series and the WTC, Australia will lock horns with England at their home, which will also be played in June.
